What is it All About?
Love horses? Want to learn more? In this project, you will have the opportunity to take your love of horses to the next level—the 4-H level. You will find interesting and exciting activities in this project like:
- Groundwork
- Understanding horse behavior
- Breed identification
- Safety on and around horses
- Tack
- Riding skills
- Trail riding
- Health Care
- Planning/budgeting for owning a horse
Later, show off your knowledge of horses by taking part in Hippology (study of horses) and Horse Quiz Bowl.
Horse Resources
Project Tip Sheets
Grow in Your Project
Beginner
- Understand what your horse is telling you.
- Demonstrate how to use grooming tools.
- Use safe practices around horses.
- Learn how to keep your horse healthy and well fed.
Intermediate
- Learn tooth identification and care.
- Learn about proper nutrition for your horse.
- Become familiar with English & Western equipment.
- Learn proper riding skills in the arena and on trails.
- Demonstrate how groundwork ties into riding.
Advanced
- Learn to establish your horse’s health baselines.
- Execute patterns on the ground and in the saddle.
- Learn leadership skills and debate about horse related
topics. - Mentor a youth in the Horse Project.
- Demonstrate leadership skills.
Resources
The following curriculum is available at your local Extension office the links listed.
- 4-H Horse Curriculum (full set of 6)
- Giddy Up & Go, Level 1 (08053)*
- Head, Heart & Hooves, Level 2 (08054)*
- Stable Relationships, Level 3 (08055)*
- Riding the Range, Level 4 (08056)*
- Jumping to New Heights, Level 5 (08057)*
- Horse Helper’s Guide (08058)*
- Project Enrollment Consent Form Adults
- Project Enrollment Consent Form Youth
- Wisconsin Concussion Fact Sheet for Athletes
- Wisconsin Concussion Fact Sheet for Coaches
Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Handbook (from Wisconsin 4-H Horse Board)—Information on State 4-H Horse Shows, rules, and Association contact information.
eXtension Horse page—Articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, and online courses are available.
Exploring Essential Elements in the Horse Project
BELONGING
- Find out who else is in the Horse Project. Get to know them.
- Invite other members of your club to join the project with you.
INDEPENDENCE
- Set project goals that challenge you to learn and try new things.
- Research your favorite part of the horse industry.
GENEROSITY
- Help plan a horse show or activity
to support the horse project. - Share horse photos or project achievements with senior citizens and/or preschoolers.
MASTERY
- Mentor younger members in the Horse Project.
- Give a short presentation about your project to younger youth.
Pathways Beyond 4-H
Many careers and college programs have connections to the horse industry. The Horse Project will help you explore your interests while gaining valuable knowledge.
Careers to consider:
- Veterinarian
- Horse Trainer
- Horse Chiropractor
- Veterinary Technician
- Nutritionist
- Medical Technology Specialist
- Photographer
You may also gain these personal
qualities:
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Public speaking
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship
Applying Horse Project Skills to Your Life
HEALTHY LIVING
- Learn to win and lose gracefully. It is part of a healthy mindset.
- Learn about foods that are for both humans and horses.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH
- Learn how to balance a ration.
- Build a model paddock or barn for your horse.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Volunteer at a horse rescue and/or therapeutic riding program.
- Create a model horse display to show at a public location.
LEADERSHIP
- Offer your club a project demonstration on grooming, saddling, nutrition, etc.
- Lead a “horseless horse” workshop for interested youth.
Caution Corner
Some of the project policies to be aware of include (please see the link below for the complete listing of 4-H, animal science, and horse policies):
- Youth must be in 3rd grade or higher to participate.
- No stallions are allowed.
- No bareback or riding double.
- Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) approved helmets, with harness fastened, must be worn at all times when mounted or driving.
- Closed toe shoes or boots are required when near a horse.
- Clothing appropriate for the activity is required. It protects participants from the elements around the event.
- Boots with a cut-out heel must be worn when mounted.
For more information, on 4-H policies and procedures, please visit: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/wisconsin-4-h-policies/
For more information on State 4-H Horse Association rules, guidelines, and activties view the Wisconsin 4-H Horse Association Handbook— http://horse.wi4h.org.
Showing What You Learned
- Make a poster about horse breeds, parts of a horse, or the horse reproductive system.
- Make a poster showing the parts of English or Western saddles.
- Create a display of forages used to feed horses.
- Demonstrate proper handling during groundwork.
- Make a chart to show the expenses of owning a horse.
- Make a display explaining body condition scores of horses.
- Create a photo collage of your horse.
- Demonstrate proper hoof care.
- Research careers in the horse industry. Make a poster.
- Research the history of horses. Make a poster showing the physical changes over time.
- Create an exercise or feeding log for your horse. Explain why it is important.
Recording What You Learned
- What went well?
- If you could change something, what would it be? Why?
- What can you do to encourage younger members to get involved?
- What was the most challenging part of the project?
